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Practical Questions for Visiting

What do I need to know to have the best possible visit to Plimoth Plantation?

You will get the most out of your visit by asking questions of the staff. If you are feeling shy, listen in on conversations between other guests and staff. Your active participation will really shape your experience at Plimoth Plantation.

How much does it cost to visit?

There are a variety of ticket options suited to your interest and length of visit. Combination tickets allow you to visit both of our locations, 1) the main museum site known as Plimoth Plantation which is 3 miles south of downtown Plymouth, and 2) Plimoth Plantation’s Mayflower II on the Plymouth waterfront. Single site tickets offer admission to either Plimoth Plantation’s Mayflower II or Plimoth Plantation. Specially priced tickets for families, seniors, and groups are also available. Please see our Admissions page for details.

Are pets allowed at Plimoth Plantation?

Service animals welcome! Plimoth Planation restricts admission of animals to service animals only for both the safety of our guests and our Rare Breeds animals (that will be encountered while visiting our outdoor sites!) This policy also serves to protect your pets from becoming overwhelmed or injured in a new environment to which they are not accustomed. In addition, we ask that you do not leave your pet in the car on hot days. Please plan ahead and make sure you have made suitable arrangements for your furry (or feathered or scaled!) friend before visiting. There are a number of animal care facilities located in the Plymouth area. A quick Google search is sure to provide you with a reputable animal caregiver!

Does the museum accept credit cards? Is there an ATM nearby?

Yes. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express. For your convenience, there is an ATM in the Visitor Center. There are also several ATMs within walking distance of Mayflower II.

How long does it take to visit?

Guests should allow at least 2.5 hours for their visit to Plimoth Plantation and about 45 minutes for Mayflower II.

What are the museum's operating hours?

Plimoth Plantation, including Mayflower II, is open seven days a week, from late March through the Sunday after Thanksgiving. For more detailed information about our operating hours, please see our Hours & Pricing page. Please note, while the Visitor Center at Plimoth Plantation is open 9-5, our living history sites open at 9:15 and the last tickets are sold about 30 minutes prior to closing. Tickets are sold up to 15 minutes prior to closing for Plimoth Grist Mill and the Waterfront Exhibit/Mayflower II.

Where should I park?

At Plimoth Plantation, plenty of free parking is available in our main lot, overflow lot, and bus lot. There is metered parking at the Plymouth waterfront when you visit Mayflower II. For details, please see our Parking & Accessibility page.

How will I know where to go once I arrive?

When you buy your ticket at Plimoth Plantation, you will receive a self-guided tour map. Your self-guided tour begins in the Visitor Center with a brief orientation program.

At Mayflower II, you will receive a site map when you buy your ticket. Your tour is self-guided as you interact with our knowledgeable staff.

At both locations staff members are available to answer your questions or suggest alternate routes suitable to your needs and interests.

How much walking will I have to do?

Visiting the Wampanoag Homesite, the 17th-Century English Village, the Crafts Center, and the Nye Barn requires about a half a mile of walking over uneven terrain. At Mayflower II, you will be walking on decks that can be slippery in wet weather, and climbing steep stairways and gangways. We suggest that our guests wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water, and protect themselves from the sun.

How difficult is it to get around?

Some visitors will find certain sites difficult to access. Many of the pathways in and around the 17th-Century English Village and the Wampanoag Homesite are steep or unpaved. Site maps highlighting the most accessible routes are also available by request at Guest Services. Mayflower II is not accessible to wheelchairs. Please see our Parking and Accessibility page for details.

Should I bring a stroller?

Yes. Jogging strollers work best on the rough terrain at Plimoth Plantation. There is a stroller ramp located to the right of the main archway and stairs in the upper parking lot.

Strollers are not permitted on Mayflower II, but they may be left in a designated area before you board the ship.

Is there a best time to visit?

The Museum is open in the spring, summer and fall, and each season has something unique to offer — budding gardens, corn planting, harvesting, and cozy fires are just a few of the highlights. It is often less crowded in the springtime than the summer and fall.

During the school year, many schoolchildren take part in our educational programs. The majority of schools visit in the morning, so during the peak field trip seasons (May-June and October-November) our sites tend to be less crowded in the afternoon.

What should I wear during my visit?

Coastal New England weather is highly changeable. It is a good idea to bring water, sunscreen, and a brimmed hat for hot and sunny days. For cold or wet days, bring rain jackets, an extra sweatshirt, umbrellas, and comfortable waterproof shoes.

Where can I buy food?

At Plimoth Plantation, a unique selection of food is available for purchase at the Plentiful Café in the Visitor Center. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors. In the summer, pushcarts offering snacks and drinks are located outside the Craft Center. There are a variety of restaurants, including fast food options, within walking distance of Mayflower II.

May I buy 17th-century food?

How do I find out about what is going on at Plimoth Plantation?

Plimoth Plantation offers many daily hands-on activities. There are also special events during the season. Please see our Calendar of Events for information about these special programs.

May I visit the museum dressed as a "Pilgrim" or an "Indian?"

We ask that you do not wear costumes while visiting Plimoth Plantation. Guests in costume cause confusion for other visitors who may not be able to distinguish the costumed guest from the interpretive staff. Also, many Native People consider it a sign of disrespect that those not of their Native communities and nations wear traditional indigenous dress.

Are Mayflower II and Plimoth Plantation within walking distance of one another?

No. We do not advise guests to walk between the sites, as the distance between Plimoth Plantation and Mayflower II is 2.9 miles. It’s best to make the 10-minute drive by car or use public transportation. Parking is available near Mayflower II. Please check our Directions page and the local bus schedule.

Are all the staff I meet going to be role playing?

No, you’ll encounter a variety of different interpretation styles as you move from site to site. Here's what you can expect:

At the Wampanoag Homesite: Native People in traditional clothing who speak from a modern perspective (not role players)

At the Craft Center: modern-day artisans discussing and demonstrating a variety of 17th-century technologies (not role players)

At Mayflower II: Modern-day staff (including maritime artisans) speaking about the ship and role players portraying the people who traveled on the original ship.

May I take pictures or videotape?

Yes. We encourage you to take photographs or use video cameras for your personal use. However, commercial use of photographs or videotape is prohibited without permission from our Public Relations office. Please contact pr@plimoth.org or call (508) 746-1622 ext. 8206.

Are cellphones allowed at Plimoth Plantation?

Yes. And we welcome you to take photos and videos and share them your friends on your favorite social media sites. Become a fan of Plimoth on Facebook and join our online community.

Are there gift shops at Plimoth Plantation?

In the Visitor Center you will find our main Museum Shop, Native American Museum Shop, and Children's Shop. There are also shops at the Craft Center and adjacent to Mayflower II. These shops present a wide range of unique items ranging from 17th-century reproductions to books, children's toys, souvenirs, gourmet food, jewelry, apparel and gifts.

Shopping with us will provide you with some wonderful and desirable items, while helping to support the Museum’s mission. Proceeds from sales help fund our educational programs and museum exhibits.

What else is there to do in and around the town of Plymouth?

There is much to do in and around Plymouth. Many guests spend more than one day in Plymouth, visiting not only Plimoth Plantation, but also the many shops, restaurants, attractions and cultural institutions in the area. For a listing of what to see and do, please go to our Around Plymouth page, or visit Destination Plymouth.